Duane Dieter's Close Quarters Defense (CQD) is a tactical training system designed to enhance survivability in high-stress, close-quarters combat situations. Developed over decades and utilized by military, law enforcement, and civilian personnel, CQD emphasizes emotional control, realistic scenario-based training, and the integration of unarmed and armed combat techniques. This article explores the history, principles, and benefits of CQD, drawing on testimonials and expert opinions.
Origins and Development
The CQD system's genesis can be traced back to Duane Dieter's early martial arts training, which began at age 15. While Dieter appreciated the skills he acquired, he recognized that many components were choreographed and sport-based, lacking the intensity and practicality needed for real-world confrontations with motivated adversaries. This realization was further solidified during his time serving on a local police department in 1980, where he observed similar unrealistic methods being taught in preparation for criminal attacks. Dieter also noted inconsistencies in firearms training, which focused more on target shooting than on application under stress in high-risk engagements.
Driven by a desire to learn how to defend himself in the case of a criminal attack, Dieter embarked on a quest to find a master who could impart the ancient fighting knowledge he was seeking. His journey took him to Hong Kong, Okinawa, and Taiwan. After studying with numerous senior instructors, he concluded that the training, while challenging and rewarding, lacked the high-risk focus he desired. An elder master advised him that what he sought did not exist and that he must develop it himself.
Returning to America in 1981, Dieter committed himself to developing the CQD system. This involved removing himself from his previous training and dedicating himself exclusively to the CQD system.
Key Principles and Components
The CQD system is built upon several key principles:
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- Emotional Control ("Dialing"): CQD places significant emphasis on the ability to control one's emotions and reactions under extreme stress. This involves remaining in control and identifying one's purpose within a split second. The ability to "dial up" or "dial down" one's emotional response is crucial for navigating the complexities of high-pressure situations.
- Realistic Scenario-Based Training: CQD utilizes realistic, scenario-based training to prepare individuals for the unpredictable nature of real-world confrontations. These simulations, often involving role-players and Simunition FX rounds, are designed to induce stress and force participants to make split-second decisions.
- Integration of Unarmed and Armed Combat Techniques: CQD integrates unarmed and armed combat techniques, recognizing that both are essential for effective self-defense. The system encompasses all aspects of tactical fighting, from unarmed combat to weapons handling to suspect and prisoner control.
- Full Circle Approach: CQD takes a "Full Circle" approach to individual and team tactical capability, encompassing unarmed combat, armed combat, prisoner and suspect control, shooting, internal warrior and ethos training, and physical exercises and conditioning.
- Validation and Accountability Drills: CQD utilizes validation and accountability drills to hone an officer's ability to utilize justifiable and appropriate force.
Training Methodology
CQD training is characterized by its immersive and demanding nature. Participants are exposed to a variety of high-stress scenarios designed to test their skills and decision-making abilities. A key element of CQD training is the "hooded box" drill, which involves placing participants in a dark, confined space and then suddenly confronting them with a variety of threats and challenges. These scenarios are designed to simulate the chaos and uncertainty of real-world encounters.
The use of Simunition FX rounds adds another layer of realism to the training, allowing participants to experience the physical and psychological effects of being shot. All simulations are videotaped, allowing participants to review their performance and identify areas for improvement.
Applications and Benefits
CQD has been successfully utilized by a wide range of organizations and individuals, including:
- Military Special Forces: CQD has been the only approved and adopted training system for the SEALs for over 20 years.
- Law Enforcement Agencies: CQD has been adopted by numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
- Protective Services: CQD has been used to train members of agencies involved in protective operations.
- Civilians: CQD is also offered to civilians, including professional athletes, high-profile public figures, and individuals seeking self-defense skills.
The benefits of CQD training include:
- Increased Confidence: CQD builds confidence by providing individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to protect themselves in high-stress situations.
- Improved Decision-Making: CQD sharpens decision-making abilities by forcing participants to make split-second decisions under pressure.
- Enhanced Emotional Control: CQD teaches participants how to control their emotions and reactions in high-stress situations.
- Greater Awareness: CQD sharpens awareness of one's surroundings and potential threats.
- Reduced Reactionary Gap: CQD shortens the "reactionary gap," the time it takes to react to a threat.
- Improved Force Control: CQD helps officers maintain self-control in high-adrenaline situations, promoting the use of appropriate force.
Testimonials and Endorsements
The effectiveness of CQD is supported by numerous testimonials from individuals who have undergone the training. Law enforcement officers, military personnel, and civilians alike have praised the program for its realism, intensity, and practical value.
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Many law enforcement officers have described CQD as the best training they have ever received, emphasizing its job-oriented and personally oriented nature. They state that the techniques taught will make them better cops and save their lives. Some have recommended that CQD replace all defensive tactics currently taught at police academies.
Military personnel have also lauded CQD, with many describing it as the most relevant, practical, and dynamic training they have ever experienced. They emphasize its ability to build confidence and prepare them for real-world combat situations.
Civilians who have undergone CQD training have also praised its effectiveness, noting its ability to sharpen awareness, fine-tune purpose, and build confidence.
CQD vs. MMA-Style Tactics
In recent years, some government agencies have moved away from CQD in favor of MMA-style tactics, which Dieter says are more violent. While Dieter acknowledges that MMA is a great sport with many exceptional athletes, he argues that it is less codified than CQD and has a different intention in mind - entertainment via hand-to-hand combat, with a referee present to break up the action if things go over the line. He contends that this makes it less ideal for training military or police operatives.
Dieter emphasizes that CQD is designed to provide a full-circle approach to tactical capability, encompassing all aspects of fighting, from unarmed combat to weapons handling to suspect and prisoner control. He argues that this comprehensive approach is essential for preparing individuals for the complexities of real-world confrontations.
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Addressing Implicit Bias
One of the criticisms leveled against stress-based training programs like CQD is that they may not adequately address the issue of implicit bias. Studies have shown that both whites and blacks more quickly associate African-Americans with risk or danger, and that officers more readily stop African-American men and more quickly resort to violence. Some experts argue that stress-based training may exacerbate these biases, leading to more frequent and more severe uses of force against minority groups.
Dieter argues that his training, which focuses on threats alone, gets around the issue of implicit bias entirely. By forcing officers to focus on the specific actions and behaviors that constitute a threat, he believes that they are less likely to be influenced by their unconscious biases.
The Importance of Community Policing
While training programs like CQD can be valuable tools for improving police performance, they are not a panacea. Experts emphasize that addressing the complex issues of policing requires a multifaceted approach that includes community engagement, policy reform, and accountability measures.
Khalil Muhammad, a professor of history, race, and public policy at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, argues that communities must be involved in shaping the protocols of policing. He contends that without this community input, reforms are likely to produce oppression and failure.